Things To Do in Salem

Salem Common

Several gorgeously notable houses line the public park, but it's perhaps best-known as the birthplace of the National Guard. The colonial legislature of Massachusetts formed volunteer militias in December 1636. The first mustering of one of those militia took place on the common in April 1637.

Notch Brewery & Tap Room

Notch Brewery includes a great biergarten on the water, Skee Ball, and a long list of beers. Full pours only; no tasting flights. Notch has been contract-brewing for six years now, and this is its first permanent space of its own.

Bit Bar Salem

Looking for arcade games, game-themed cocktails, and fun snack food with some creative twists? Try Bit Bar (50 Saint Peter St.), which opened in June 2016 in the Old Salem Jail with dishes such as an elk burger served on a doughnut/croissant hybrid glazed with black garlic icing; chorizo corn dogs; and avocado ice cream with a Sriracha caramel drizzle.

Ye Olde Pepper Company

Salem is home to the country's oldest candy company, Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie, which sells the country's oldest commercially made candies, lemon and peppermint gibraltars — which have the taste and texture of the after-dinner mints at your grandparents' house. The cheery shop also has a variety of other sweets, including fudge, brittles, taffy, and more.

Peabody Essex Museum

The famed museum is dedicated to Asian art and early American maritime trading. It's open every day but Monday (unless Monday is a special holiday), and admission for adults is $20.

The House of the Seven Gables and Nathaniel Hawthorne's House

The author of "A Scarlet Letter," among other works, was born in the circa 1750 Georgian house in 1804. It was moved from Union Street to its present location on the property of the House of the Seven Gables museum in 1958. The House of the Seven Gables, an old colonial mansion that was the inspiration behind Hawthorne's famous story, dates from the late 1660s, and is now a museum and an educational center with a local focus.

John Ward House

The house dates from the 1680s and is considered one of the finest extant examples of 17th-century architecture in New England (heck, it's so old it has touches of Post-Medieval in its architecture). The Peabody Essex Museum owns it. Call the information desk about tours. Fun fact: The John Ward House used to be across from the jail used during the witch trials, but was subsequently moved near the Peabody Essex.

The Witch House

This house was the longtime home of Jonathan Corwin, one of the most prominent judges during the witch trials of the early 1690s. Tour the house for information on the trials (admission starts at $8.25 for adults), but also for a peek at late 17th century living and architecture.

Salem Witch Museum

As one might expect, the museum dedicated to all things witchery offers extended hours in October. Admission year-round is $11 for adults.

Finz

This is one of our favorite seafood restaurants in Salem! It is right on the water and the food is absolutely delicious.

New England Pirate Museum

Salem Trolley -- A Christmas Carol Tour **MUST BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE

Now entering into it's 32nd Season, this humorous & whimsical interactive performance reanimates Dickens’ timeless seasonal holiday classic. Experience Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol with a twist. Ride along with Scrooge on the Salem Trolley as the classic tale is brought to life in a completely unexpected way. Shows sell out quickly and seats are limited. Tickets go on sale Monday, September 10, 2018. Tour departs from Salemdipity, 86 Wharf Street (Pickering Wharf), Salem. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to show time. Show starts inside Salemdipity.